Washington DC (VNA) - The US Senate has approved by 55 votes to 43 a bi🍌ll that would repeal the US Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s catfish inspection programme.
The vote took place on May 25, with bill supporters, including Republican Sen. John McCain, arguing that the USDA programme is wasteful, duplicative and unnecessary.
Supporters said the programme violated commitments to the World Trade Organization (WTO) and would result in a lawsuit that will cost the US agricultural exports.
They criticised its intention to protect US catfish producers by raising barriers for catfish imports from Vietnam and other nations.
The resolution still needs the House of Representatives’ approval and President Barack Obama’s signature to take effect.
Reacting to the vote, the Wall Street Journal’s front page featured an article called “Ending the Catfish Fight”, which said repealing the programme would consolidate confidence in the US ‘s leadership role in Asian trade.
Catfish is a popular fish in the US, with the market dominated by local producers mostly from southern states such as Mississippi, Arkansas, Louisiana and Alabama. In recent years, they have been rivaled by cheaper Asian imports.
In 2008, to protect domestic production, the US Congress created the inspection programme, which includes anti-dumping duties targeting Vietnam’s tra and basa fish.
On December 2 2015, the USDA tightened catfish-related regulations. Observers said these regulations would affect both foreign and domestic producers and would cost the local industry millions of dollars.
On December 9 2015, two senators, John McCain and Kelly Ayotte, introduced a resolution of disapproval under the Congressional Review Act to nullify the USDA's catfish inspection programme.-VNA
The US newspaper the Wall Street Journal has published an article on US Senator Max Baucus’s attitude over Vietnam’s “tra” and “basa” pangasius, saying that there's no reason for America to launch a trade war with Vietnam over fish.
The US Office of Management and Budget on February 16 decided to extend its review of rules on catfish food safety inspection proposed by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Senator Dianne Feinstein and Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard have expressed "serious concern" regarding a proposed rulemaking that is currently pending before the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) that would have a damaging impact on the US state of California.
The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has said it would collect more opinions until June 24, 2011, before determining which species must undergo the “catfish” inspection programme.
The Retail Industry Leaders Association has voiced opposition to including swai and basa of Vietnam and other Asian whitefish in U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) catfish inspections.
US Senators have introduced a resolution of disapproval under the Congressional Review Act that would nullify the USDA final rules establishing the catfish inspection programme.
Vietnam’s tra fish processors and exporters should take prompt action now to meet the new rules issued by the US Department of Agriculture requiring domestic foreign suppliers to meet the standards.
The United States has released a list of eligible catfish exporters of four countries, including Vietnam, who could ship their products to that country.
The Ministry of Commerce reported that imports also rose 18% to 29.9 billion USD during the same period, resulting in a trade surplus of 1.1 billion USD. In May alone, Thailand posted a 4.6 billion USD trade surplus with the US and a 4.1 billion USD trade deficit with China.
The World Bank will provide a 2.1 billion USD financing package for Indonesia, focusing oncreating jobs, stimulating economic growth, and enhancing access to clean energy across the country.
Member states also reviewed progress on six priority areas for 2025, including the development of an underground cable framework, the follow-up agreement to the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA), the launch of the ASEAN Energy Efficiency Database, and the rollout of an investment platform for sustainable building initiatives.
In March, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra met with Formula 1 chief Stefano Domenicali and said Thailand would commission a feasibility study into hosting a Grand Prix on a Bangkok street circuit from 2028.
The proposed giant sea wall aligns with bilateral cooperation and has been designated a national priority, considering that several regions in Indonesia are experiencing land subsidence of 10–15 centimetres per year.
International flights were cancelled including Jetstar and Virgin Australia flights to cities across Australia, and flights of Air India, Air New Zealand, Singapore's TigerAir and China's Juneyao Airlines.
The partnership aims to strengthen collaboration in the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources, including gold, copper, and manganese, as well as in the development of steel, aluminum, and renewable energy industries.
The Thai cabinet has approved a seven-year EV bus leasing scheme proposed by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) for the capital, with an estimated cost of 15.35 billion THB (over 470 million USD).
Aircraft are prohibited from flying below 6,000 metres in the vicinity of the volcano, and should also remain alert to the presence of volcanic ash, which can disrupt flights.
Laos declared the transfer of the press management functions of five key media agencies and associated personnel to the Propaganda and Training Board of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee.
Univers said in a statement that the new centre will serve as a hub for innovation, bringing together digital intelligence and climate ambition to accelerate Sarawak's transition toward a low-carbon, tech-enabled economy.
The target is to be completely free from plastic waste within two years. This can only be achieved if all parties implement the initiative with strong discipline.
Indonesia is taking new steps to improve protections for fishery workers, amid concerns over low wages, harsh working conditions, and limited access to social welfare.
The 2025 ASEAN- the Republic of Korea (RoK) Connectivity Forum that opened in Jakarta on June 17 reaffirmed a shared commitment to shaping a connected, resilient future by advancing the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan.
The desk will serve as a service centre providing market intelligence, business licensing guidance, facilitating business cooperation, identifying potential investment projects, and harmonising regulatory policies between the two parties.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim noted that the Asia-Pacific region accounted for half of global energy consumption and 60% of greenhouse gas emissions in 2024. Despite this, regional countries, including eight of ten ASEAN member states, remain committed to climate goals, including net-zero emissions and tripling global renewable capacity by 2030.
Illustrative image (Source: vneconomy)
